In a world where a blog is created every second does the world really need another blog? Well, it's got one.
An irregular set of postings, weaving an intricate pattern around a diverse set of subjects. Comment on culture, technology, politics and the occasional rant about life.
Alan ... in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Torchwood vs Lost :: Freeview vs Sky

If you’re new to the terminology—and I’ve been toldoff before for being too obtuse—multi-channel refers to TV channels that are available to people watching more than just the five free terrestrial channels in the UK. So it includes Freeview (digital terrestrial), Freesat (free-to-air channels on satellite), Sky and cable.

Since Sky wrestled Lost from the hands of Channel 4, it’s been available only to satellite or cable subscribers with Sky One in their package. As I’ve commented previously, it’s bye bye lost from me. This is a much smaller potential audience than those who can catch Torchwood on BBC Three on Freeview, Cable, Sky as well as a handful on Freesat. Both are no doubt available on BitTorrent!

Last week’s figures:

BBC3, Torchwood = 971,000 viewers (up from 958,000 the week before)

Sky One, Lost = 863,000 viewers (down below 1 million for the first time this series)

Sky did well (by their standards) with Hogfather at the weekend, with 2.5 million viewers the first night - though this dropped to 1.5 million the second night. This is their highest ever rating for a homegrown programme (and the second highest rating ever, after a Friends special in 2000), though with all the publicity surrounding it, it could have done a good bit better yet. Sky has 11 million households receiving their services (either through satellite or bundled cable services), which works out at 25 million+ people. 2.5 million doesn't seem quite so many based on that.